In Tennessee, huge maintenance backlogs are plaguing our state and national parks. And our wildlife habitats and recreation opportunities are suffering because of it. We’ve needed a large, national fix for a long time, and—if you use your voice—it could finally be here!

The Great American Outdoors Act would provide up to $9.5 billion over five years to address the backlog nationwide. The Act would also provide full and permanent funding ($900 million a year!) for the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the first time since it was created 50+ years ago.

These funds will restore our parks and crucial wildlife habitat while also providing jobs for people.

The U.S. Senate is taking up the bill as early as this week. Senator Lamar Alexander is an original cosponsor and we thank him for his support of this landmark legislation to benefit land, people and wildlife!

And a bipartisan House companion bill was just introduced today!

Time is running out for you to do your part to help get this bill passed. Ask your Congressional leaders to vote for the Great American Outdoors Act to fund parks, protect wildlife, expand recreation opportunities, and create jobs.

When it comes to selecting native plants for your garden, it’s easy to be seduced by varieties with colorful and showy flowers. But don’t forget grasses.

These hardy species can add texture and visual interest to your garden. Learn about three kinds of grasses that will turn any habitat—from your yard to a rolling field—into a sanctuary for native wildlife.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation and all of Tennessee lost a longtime friend and conservationist, J. Clark Akers, III.

Clark’s love for the outdoors led to a number of notable successes for Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources—most of all when Clark led a precedent-setting effort to preserve the Obion and Forked Deer River Basin in the late 60s.

It was the first time a private citizen ever defeated the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in an environmental lawsuit.

We know not everyone can, but if it's possible to give today, there are still 30 minutes left of The Big Payback. You can ensure that Tennessee’s land, water, air, and wildlife will be here for generations to come.

For many, it's not possible to make a gift today and we understand. It's a challenging time for many, but know that we will be here for Tennesseans through thick and thin.

We will always stand up for the most vulnerable in our state—whether that is hungry families, native wildlife, or the wild places we all hold dear. Your participation in The Big Payback has a direct impact on the people, wildlife, and natural resources in our state.

Sincerely,

Kendall McCarter

Chief Development Officer

P.S.— The Big Payback ends at 6 p.m. today. If you share our love of our state’s natural resources and want to conserve them for generations to come—please make a generous gift today for The Big Payback.

This is an advertisement/solicitation of Tennessee Wildlife Federation.

Our focus on conservation policy ensures that your voice is heard on Capitol Hill when conservation issues are up for debate or vote.

Through our Habitat Conservation program 246,000 trees have been planted.

We will always stand up for the most vulnerable in our state—whether that is hungry families, native wildlife, or the wild places we all hold dear. Together, we will take care of Tennessee in times of need. I urge you to take advantage of this single day of giving and support Tennessee Wildlife Federation today for The Big Payback.

Sincerely,

Kendall McCarter

Chief Development Officer

P.S.— Friend,make a donation today to support the programs that conserve the most important wild places and wildlife in our great state of Tennessee.

This is an advertisement/solicitation of Tennessee Wildlife Federation.